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Homeland Security: Smart Planning for Hurricane Season
06/16/09 - 10:21 AM
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SMART PLANNING FOR HURRICANE SEASON

DENTON, TEXAS – Hurricane season officially began June 1 and continues through November 30. Federal and state emergency officials remind Louisianians to start planning early to protect families and property.

“If you live in an area threatened by storm surge – an EVACUATION ZONE – discuss evacuation plans with your family,” said Gary Jones, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 6.  “Check with city or parish officials to find out if your home is in an evacuation zone.  When a storm is in the Gulf, monitor TV and radio broadcasts for instructions from local officials.”

The State of Louisiana has sponsored, “Get a Game Plan.” The State of Louisiana has sponsored, “Get a Game Plan,” which is an education outreach program. Find out what you need to know by logging on to Get A Game Plan - http://www.getagameplan.org. On this site you can find evacuation routes and sign up for weather alerts.

“This is the time for everyone to have a game plan. In the event an evacuation is ordered, it’s best to have an idea of where you and your family will go and what you will take with you,” said Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Director Mark Cooper. “Remember, having a game plan means knowing how to keep your family and pets safe. It also means securing your home as much as possible before you leave.” 
“This is the time for everyone to have a game plan. In the event an evacuation is ordered, it’s best to have an idea of where you and your family will go and what you will take with you,” said Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) Director Mark Cooper. “Remember, having a game plan means knowing how to keep your family and pets safe. It also means securing your home as much as possible before you leave.” 
Find out what you need to know by logging on to the following website: Get A Game Plan - http://www.getagameplan.org.  On this site you can find evacuation routes and sign up for weather alerts.

When making a family plan for any hazard, choose a place to meet outside of the potential disaster area.  Give all family members the name and phone number of someone outside your city or state. Anyone separated from the group should call that number to let others know where they are. Learn to use the American Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site: disastersafe.redcross.org

Put an emergency supply kit together now. Refill and re-check supplies AFTER EVERY STORM. After the storm hits, you may be able to return home in a matter of days. But re-entry may take much longer, depending on storm damage. Because hurricanes are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, officials plan for storms to be one category worse than predicted. So should you.

• Learn evacuation routes BEFORE storm season. If possible, practice driving the route out of town ahead of time. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave. Expect delays and longer drive-times than normal. Just like any rush hour, traffic congestion in an evacuation is unavoidable.

• An emergency supply kit includes: NOAA weather radio and batteries, flashlight and batteries, extra eye glasses, bottled water, non-perishable food, dry clothes, bedding, medications and copies of prescriptions, special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members, cash, credit cards, photo IDs, important documents and records, proof of residence and information your agent will require to process insurance claims.

• Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation and go over it with your family. Review it again when a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.

• If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave. If you plan to stay in a shelter, bring what you need to be comfortable, including bedding and toys for kids. Shelters will vary in what they offer evacuees.

• Contact your local office of emergency management to get information on making arrangements for anyone in your household who may need special assistance during an evacuation.

• Prepare an emergency kit for your pets and a plan for how to care for them when you are on the road and in a shelter or motel. Do not leave your pets behind.

FEMA Hurricane Preparedness Web page:  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season09.shtm